Got Hope?

When asked what we want in life, the vast majority of us will say that we really just want to be happy.

Not surprisingly, most of us tend to seek out experiences that make us feel happy and hopeful.

We like to go to movies with happy endings.

We like happy songs. Singer Bobby McFerrin became a household name by singing, “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.” 

We take our kids to McDonald’s to buy “happy meals.”

Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election by selling, hope.

And, Revlon Founder and billionaire Charles Revson once famously said, “In our factories we make perfume. But in our stores, we sell hope.” 

You see, Revson knew that what his customers really wanted wasn’t a new shade of lipstick; rather they wanted to feel sexy and attractive. So he intentionally created ads using glamorous actresses and models. He then timed the launch of a new lipstick and nail polish promotion with the kick-off of the latest fashion trend. Revson knew most of his customers couldn’t afford the latest fashion but they could afford a new lipstick and this would make them feel trendy and fashionable.

Revson realized he wasn’t just selling cosmetics; he was selling happiness or the hope of it.

Today, more than ever it seems people are looking for things that give them the experience of feeling hopeful.

What is your business selling?  

Above all else, sell hope!

…This much I know.

-Jeanine